For the past three decades we’ve driven Mercedes automobiles. We’ve never had a new one, enjoying the luxury, safety and performance after the original owners were tired of them. We generally bought them with 100,000 miles and traded at around 200,000. The downside of this system, of course, is the maintenance.
German manufacturers are proud of their engineering marvels and have a maintenance program prescribed, which, if followed, keeps their cars at the peak of their performance. Finding a professional repair shop that can help you to do that without going broke is often the challenge.
Potter’s Precision Imports opened this summer at 6625 35th Street, in Pinellas Park. Tom Potter had been a service writer at the local Mercedes dealer, just a few blocks away for years. He began working at Precision Motor Cars (Now Mercedes-Benz of Tampa) in 1995. Through ongoing certifications and trainings Mercedes Benz centers in Houston, TX and Jacksonville, Tom became ASE Master Technician, Mercedes-Benz Master Technician, Mercedes-Benz Master Service Advisor and until recently, one of two AMG Specialists while at Crown Mercedes, just a few blocks southeast of the new shop. The cozy twin rack shop is well equipped for Mercedes, BMW, VW/Audi and Porsche repairs, and is kept spotless. Tom Says “We are here to provide exceptional customer service! We provide the correct maintenance and repair for your Mercedes-Benz vehicle and will save you money. We service all Mercedes-Benz vehicles (except Sprinter). We honor aftermarket extended warranties. Keep your 4-year or 50,000 mile MB full warranty intact as we use the proper service procedures and products, but you save by not paying dealer prices!”
It wasn’t long after opening that Tom needed to hire his first full-time mechanic. With all the friends he has made so far in his career there were many to choose from. Steve Johnson had been a mentor in his early days as a mechanic. A natural born mechanic with many years of Eurocar experience, Steve says. “I love the older german cars as much or more than the new ones. I’m equally comfortable working on a ‘70’s or ‘80’s classic as I am with the 2014 models. After 14 years running a shop in Tampa, Steve is happy just to be turning wrenches these days. “Tom is a great guy with all of the talent to be very successful running his own shop. I feel priveledged to be senior mechanic here.”What’s really important, is what Tom’s customers say about him and Potter’s Precision Automotive. Their Facebook & Google page references are especially impressive for a new shop: Some excerpts apear as highlights to the right.
If your German car needs a new doctor or you just need a second opinion before saying yes to an expensive repair, call Tom. You will not regret it.
Potter’s Precision Imports, 6625 35th Street, St. Petersburg. Monday-Friday 8am-6pm • Phone: 727-914-8968 • Fax: 727-914-8971 • Email: info@pottersimports.com.
Story by Peter A. Roos